The University of Virginia's College at Wise Athletics

Justin Hamilton enters his third season as defensive coordinator for the UVa-Wise football program in 2013.  A year ago, the defensive held opponents under 25 points in five games.  The season was highlighted by holding nationally ranked Bethel College to 21 points in an overtime victory.  Hamilton's unit also held NCAA FBS Campbell to 10 points on the road in 2012 as well.  In his first season, Hamilton's defense allowed just over 31 points per game, an improvement of nearly five points per game from the 2010 season.   The defensive unit had its strongest day of the season on October 1 when UVa-Wise shut out host West Virginia Tech 13-0 to cap off a three game winning streak.

Previously, Hamilton worked with the football program as the school's strength and conditioning coordinator.

A star at the local Clintwood High School, Hamilton was one of the most prolific athletes in Southwest Virginia. A four year football starter who was recruited by numerous NCAA Division I schools, Hamilton also excelled at basketball and track, where he was a competitor at the VHSL state track meet.

After his high school football career ended, Hamilton decided to sign his letter of intent with Virginia Tech to play football. Playing under one of the most successful coaches in Frank Beamer, Hamilton received firsthand knowledge of how a successful football program operates. Receiving playing time at running back, wide receiver, defensive back and on special teams, Hamilton was a valuable contributor for the Virginia Tech program. Playing mostly on the defensive side of the ball, Hamilton had a unique opportunity to study under one of the most sought-after defensive coordinators in college football, Bud Foster. Foster, who consistently has Virginia Tech in the upper echelon of defensive statistics, provided a great example for Hamilton to essentially learn to coach as a player. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Hamilton became a member of the Cleveland Browns for two seasons before finishing his career as a Washington Redskin in 2008.

Hamilton earned a bachelor's degree in consumer studies at Virginia Tech; he and his wife Brittany have a newborn son Kam Alexander, the family  lives in Wise, Virginia.